Tag: Yoshimitsu Yamada

Interview with Coalition Founder Lynne Morrison: Her Experience with the Independent Coalition of USAF Women

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With a background in dance and a love for movement, Lynne Morrison found herself drawn to Aikido when she saw it for the first time in 1972 with Yoshimitsu Yamada leading a class at the New York Aikikai. Immediately, she signed up and trained intensely when, in 1978, she began teaching classes at New York … Continue reading Interview with Coalition Founder Lynne Morrison: Her Experience with the Independent Coalition of USAF Women

John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

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In 2023, I was in conversations with an intermediary to scheduling an interview with John Eley, one of the longest American students of Koichi Tohei and active member within the Ki Society. Unfortunately, the interview never materialized, however I was offered a previous interview Eley did in 2008. The quality is not the greatest, however, … Continue reading John Eley: Aikido in Chicago, Through His Eyes, Part II

Interview with Shinken-ryu Founder Prince Gharios: Attempting to Save Modern Aikido, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ 1 Comment

Prince Gharios began aikido in Brazil in 1986 and during the rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he was forced to look to other sources for a more direct aikido. By the mid-1990s, Prince Gharios found Steven Seagal and Tenshin Aikido, which gave him the tools and foundations to establish his own Shinken-ryu Aiki-Budo. Today, … Continue reading Interview with Shinken-ryu Founder Prince Gharios: Attempting to Save Modern Aikido, Part II

Interview with Korinji Founder Meido Moore: Being the Uchi Deshi of Fumio Toyoda, Part II

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Meido Moore began aikido as a way to complement his Buddhist studies in college. After training at an Indian monastery and returning to New Jersey, he met Fumio Toyoda at a seminar. There, Moore was enamored with Toyoda’s approach to both aikido and Zen and found himself quickly moving to Chicago, Illinois to be Toyoda’s … Continue reading Interview with Korinji Founder Meido Moore: Being the Uchi Deshi of Fumio Toyoda, Part II

Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part II

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Siblings Anne and Edo Slui trained in aikido since they were children, having their parents unwavering support. They trained under many of the European greats, but found a special connection with Donovan Waite, making their way to many of his seminars throughout the years. Today, the two siblings sat down to talk about their experiences … Continue reading Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part II

Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part I

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Siblings Anne and Edo Slui trained in aikido since they were children, having their parents unwavering support. They trained under many of the European greats, but found a special connection with Donovan Waite, making their way to many of his seminars throughout the years. Today, the two siblings sat down to talk about their experiences … Continue reading Interview with Aikido School Ando Founders Edo and Anne: Donovan Waite’s Impact in Holland, Part I

A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

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I recently watched a video where two martial artists discussed the topic of martial arts history. One of the hosts outright states that such a topic is “bullshit,” simply because it does not help one fight better, or apply a joint lock better, kick better, instill a certain frame of mind, or anything else for … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Martial Arts History Does Matter

Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Kenneth Cadogan: The Impact of Donovan Waite

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Kenneth Cadogan met Donovan Waite during his second aikido class, not knowing fully the impact of the latter would have on his path. After earning his shodan, the lessons began to sink in. Today, Cadogan took some time to talk about the significance of Waite, not only to his understanding of aikido, but to many … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Kenneth Cadogan: The Impact of Donovan Waite

A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

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Part of this editorial was inspired by a chapter from my 2020 book, Aikido Comes to America, and my 2024 book, Takahiko Ishikawa, bringing two related ideas together and pairing them with a third. Authority is something people look for, whether it is to wield it or to seek those who are in similar positions. … Continue reading A Layman’s Observation: Who Really has Authority in the Martial Arts?

Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Tony Fiore: Remembering a Friend, Donovan Waite

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Anthony Fiore first started aikido in 1982 with Yukio Utada in Philadelphia, then moved away from the city, continuing his training with Jim Walsh. Under Walsh, Fiore met and trained with Donovan Waite for the rest of his life. Fiore reflects on the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Waite, sharing his deep connection with … Continue reading Interview with Aikido of Chester County Chief Instructor Tony Fiore: Remembering a Friend, Donovan Waite